Only an hour away from Florence, Arezzo is a haven for shoppers and art lovers. Indulge in a shopping spree, Arezzo style, where gold and silver jewellery, antiques, and top-quality textiles beckon. Don't miss the grand spectacle of the Antiques Fair on the first weekend of each month, transforming the Piazza Grande into Italy's largest treasure trove. Time to discover this alluring destination off the usual tourist trails.

Arezzo delights with its medieval old town. Visit the Piazza Grande , famous from Life is Beautiful, with the Vasari Loggia, and climb the Clock Tower for the best view in town. Right next to it, you can admire the intricately designed, distinctive facade of Santa Maria della Pieve . Art history enthusiasts should also visit the Basilica di San Francesco with its famous frescoes. In Arezzo, the city of gold and antiques, be sure to take a stroll along Corso Italia or visit the antique market.

Did you know? With its authentic charm and rich history, Arezzo was chosen by the Italian film director Roberto Benigni as the setting for the exceptional film Life is Beautiful (1998), which went on to win three Oscars and numerous other awards.

Top 10 Highlights of Arezzo

Inspiration

Travel Info

How long should you stay?

Arezzo is small enough, that you can visit the main sights and go for a short shopping stroll during one day. Of course, a 2-day trip gives you more time to shop for some valuable gifts. Arezzo is also a good base to explore the surrounding areas, such as Cortona, Anghiari and some vineyards.

Best time to visit

Plan your visit to Arezzo in late spring or early autumn when the weather is quite pleasant. The months of April to June and September to October offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the city and its surroundings. Since Arezzo isn't so well known and crowds are thinner, you can also come during summer time, but it can get hot.

How to get to Arezzo?

By Train

Arezzo is well-connected. Direct train services run from Florence, Rome, and other major cities. The main train station is at the southern end of the town.

By Car

Florence is only 74km away and Siena 89km. Arezzo is easily accessible via the Florence-Rome Autostrada del Sole (A1 Milan-Naples). Take the Arezzo exit and drive 10km to the city centre.

Arezzo has a strict ZTL system and the historic centre is pretty much closed to non-residents. Since the city is small enough to be explored on foot, its best to either find a hotel with a free parking area or to park the car in one of the many car parks near the historic centre.

Cheap or free parking areas

• Parking Pietri is conveniently located directly below the city walls and the cathedral. It also has an escalator leading right to the old town. The parking area consists of 3 sectors: one is free (162 parking lots) but often full, and the two next to the escalator are pay-to-park (235 parking lots).
• Parking Sant’Agostino is an affordable, covered and spacious parking garage with 200 parking lots, right in the city city centre (5min walk).
• PARKING MECENATE: is a multi-store car parking with cheap rates (in 2022 3EUR until midnight). You need about 10-15 to get to the historic centre from here.
• Baldaccio parking: You pay for the first 3 hours and then parking is free until midnight.
• Parking Garbasso: The car park is conveniently located within a 10-15min walk to the city's historic centre. Currently (in 2023), the price for a day ticket is 5 EUR.

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Day Trips

Cortona

Cortona is a picturesque little town on top of a hill with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful views of the Valdichiana valley. Since the film Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) was shot here, the town has gained fame and is now a popular destination. With only 29km distance from Arezzo this charming Tuscan town is perfect for a day trip.

Stroll through the medieval streets to the quaint Piazza della Repubblica and enjoy a coffee or Aperol Spritz on the main plaza. If you are interested in history, visit Cortona's Etruscan Museum . The town dates back to the Etruscan times and the museum within the beautiful Palazzo Casali showcases local artifacts from Etruscan and Roman times. Since the town is quite busy with tourists, we highly recommend to reserve a table for an early dinner in advance.

Note: If you come by train, you need to go to Camucia and from there take a 15min shuttle bus to the city centre.

Anghiari

Venture for a day to Anghiari, a beautiful medieval town on the border between Tuscany and Umbria. This little known gem will offer you a blend of medieval charm, history and scenic beauty. The long, straight street Stradone divides Anghiari into the new and old town. Stroll through the winding alleys and plazas, and soak in the medieval atmosphere that inspired artists throughout the centuries. The town is famous for the Battle of Anghiari between Milan and Florence in 1440 and you will find multiple paintings of this battle, including one by Leonardo.

Hike up to the Sanctuary of La Verna

Embark on a picturesque hike to the Sanctuary of La Verna, located in the heart of the National Park of Casentino Forests. The trail offers breathtaking views as you ascend through lush landscapes. Start your hike from Chiusi della Verna (from the parking area). Pause for a picnic at a serene vantage point and enjoy the natural beauty around you. At the summit, discover the historic sanctuary where St. Francis of Assisi is said to have received his stigmata in 1224. Every day, the monks conduct a procession from the Basilica to the Chapel of the Stigmata at 15:00. You can visit the Basilica and chapels and if you are lucky, listen to the monks sing.

You can also extend your trip, by hiking along the Sasso di Fra Lupo loop (2,5 -3 hours in total). The trail will take you around the Mount Penna. You can find the hiking route on komoot.

Specialties

What to Drink

Typical wines from the Arezzo region are:

• Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG
• Cortone DOC
• Valdichiana DOC
• Valdarno di Sopra DOC
• Vinsanto del Chianti Colli Arentini DOC

For wine lovers, the over 200 km long Arezzo Wine Trail may be a reason to stay in the Arezzo region longer. Over 120 family-owned wine estates grow a diverse range of grapes, from Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trebbiano to Grechetto. Furthermore, a number of vineyards produce SuperTuscans. For more info go to La Strada del Vino Association.

A Bit of Wine Know-How
The Arezzo region has a long history of producing excellent wine. Already in the 1500's the Grand Duke of Tuscany enjoyed the Colli Aretini. In 1716 the Grand Duke recognized the area of Chianti for its excellent wines and included a province of Arezzo in this renowned designation. Today the geographical borders of Chianti include Colli Aretini, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi, Colline Pisane, Montalbano, and Rùfina. A Chianti contains a minimum of 70% Sangiovese grapes and white grapes are prohibited from use. An exception is the Cortona DOC, which does include white grapes from the Cortona region such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Grechetto. The Chianti from Arezzo is known for its ruby to garnet colour and a balanced, slightly tannic and fruity flavour.

What to Eat

Antipasti

The entire Tuscany region produces excellent meat and cheeses and Arezzo is no different. Try the

• local Prosciutto del Casentino and ham from the Casentino forest pigs
• soft fresh Raviggiolo, Ricotta and Abbucciato Aretino
• cured meat like Capocollo, Finocchiona, Soprassata and Tarese del Valdarno

The region also grows a wide variety of beans, so expect to see them on the menu (e.g. Fagiolo Zolfino, Fagiolo Coco Nano, Fagiolo dall’Occhio, Cece Piccino).

Main dishes

Arezzo's delectable cuisine strongly reflects traditional and modern flavours of Tuscany. Try local specialties such as Ribollita (a hearty vegetable soup with beans) and Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a chargrilled T-bone steak. You should know, that the neighbouring Val di Chiana is famous for the best steaks in Tuscany!

A local dish in Arezzo, Bringoli and Anghiari is a thick home-made spaghetti, served with olive oil, and parmesan cheese or with a meatless ‘fake sausage’ ragù.

Arezzo's kitchen is hearty and you will find on the menu also:

• Porchetta, whole deboned pig, stuffed with herbs and garlic
• zausages
• Mugello tortelli with potato filling and meat ragù
• Pici con Cinghiale, pasta with wild boar
• "all'aretina" (sliced steak)
• Arezzo-style tripe
• Lamb cheeks with polenta
• Rabbit with fennel
• Pappardelle and Arezzo-style goose

The Arezzo area is also renowned for its Valdarno chicken and Chianina beef.

Recommended Restaurants

• Antica Osteria L'Agania: A charming, popular retro inn known for its Tuscan specialties and warm atmosphere. Try the Tuscan steak Chianina or wild boar served with pici.
• Trattoria Cavour 42: A rustic traditional eatery with friendly staff and delicious food. Not very large.
• Antica Fonte: small, fine restaurant off the tourist path offering excellent cuisine. Try Pici Cacio e Pepe or the roast beef with truffels.
• La Clandestina: nice bar with good cocktails in the city centre

Shopping

Corso Italia is Arezzo's main shopping street with a mix of artisanal shops, cafes, wine bars and boutiques. Discover handmade crafts, Italian jewellery and leather goods to commemorate your visit to Arezzo. Its a great city to find unique souvenirs and precious gifts. The cross-street of Via Cavour and Via Garibaldi is also full of shops.

If you are here on the first weekend of the month, browse Arezzo's famous antiquity market for knick-knacks, jewellery, clocks, maps, antiquarian prints & paintings, musical instruments and vintage clothing.

Moreover, a weekly street market is held on Saturday mornings outside the centro storico in Viale Giotto. If you still don't have enough, the Valdichiana Outlet Village near Foiano della Chiana is easily reachable by car.

Events

Antiquity & Gastro

• Antiquity market: Arezzo is well known for one of the biggest antiquity markets in Italy. Every first weekend of the month, nearly 400 stalls offer antiquities, books, knick-knacks, clocks and much more at the Piazza Grande and its side streets
• I Giorni del Vino: The Days of Wine take place every Wednesday and Sunday from April to October. They are a great opportunity to easily do wine tastings and tours in one of the wine cellars near Arezzo. It's probably easiest to get more information at the association headquarters located in via Ricasoli 38/40, near the Cathedral of Arezzo.

Medieval Festivals

• Joust of the Saracen (Giostra del Saracino): The joust is one of the oldest traditions in Tuscany and is a fun festival. The Joust takes place twice a year: in June on the penultimate Saturday and on the 1st Sunday of September. The event has its roots in the training of knights during the Middle Ages. The name originates from the time of the Crusades where the Saracens or Moors were the knight's enemies. In this tournament four districts in Arezzo compete against each other on the Piazza Grande. Each of the eight knights gallops with a wooden lance and tries to hit the target on a shield. The district with the most points, wins. Prior to the competition, watch the historic procession and the skill of the flag throwers. Here is the official tournament site.
• Crossbow Palio in Sansepolcro: On the 2nd Sunday of September the Crossbow competition (Palio della Balestra) takes place in Sansepolcro. This tradition has its roots in the mid-15th century, where crossbowmen between Sansepolcro and Gubbio competed against each other. These skill were crucial for free citizens in the Middle Ages to be able to defend the city in times of need.

Cultural Festivals

• La Maggiolata: is a popular festival of flowers in the village of Lucignano. At the last two Sundays of May the village celebrates spring with a parade of chariots, which drive through the alleys and performing bands and folk groups.
• The Tovaglia a Quadri: In August the town Anghiari holds a play in 4 courses. You can book your tickets here.

Interesting

Due to the exceptional craftsmanship found in the Aretino Goldsmith District, dating back to the Etruscans and Middle Ages, Arezzo is considered the cradle of goldsmithing. Even today, Arezzo's craftsmanship is praised worldwide. The economically prosperous city is home to approximately 1,200 companies working in the gold and jewellery industry. Annually, around 230 tons of gold are processed in this region — almost half of the imported precious metal in Italy, underscoring the immense importance of the province of Arezzo.

• Arezzo served as the backdrop for Roberto Benigni's Academy Award-winning film "Life is Beautiful" (La Vita è Bella).
• The city hosts the annual Giostra del Saracino, a medieval jousting tournament that draws visitors from around the world.
• Arezzo was the home of the Renaissance artist Giorgio Vasari, who designed the Tomb of Michelangelo.
• Arezzo hosts every May the OroArezzo, a major event for Italian goldsmiths and international buyers.
• The region’s largest jewellery export market is Dubai, followed by China, the US and Russia.